Southern Lord historically has dealt in the doom and black metal trade, with sparse instances of more avant styles. Crust, D-beat and punkish grime has been something of a recent fascination with the three Seattle based releases in 2009 and 2010 from Trap Them, Black Breath and The Accused. Whether or not the label is moving into a more hardcore market is purely speculation. What is certain is the veracity of the releases. _God Is War_ is only 32 minutes, but it is a dizzying choke-hold which crawls by as if time has frozen still.

_God Is War_ paces itself with short bursts of insanity like "Pulverization" and "Extinction Is Ours", as well as longer, more meditative tracks like the eight minute closer "Sadistic Vindicator". It is during these longer tracks where the doom elements shine and merely strengthens leader vocalist Kevin Baker's voice and allows it to become the wretched vulture it desires to be. In fact, _God Is War_ could ultimately stand up to this review for the blistering and transcendental vigor that is the album's final three minutes. Every single aspect of this record shines and gives no cause for criticism, mainly because its arrival was a surprise.

I do not know what Southern Lord is doing nor do I know what is going on with the recent surge in D-beat, crossover, blackened punk madness which has been sweeping the midground. All Pigs Must Die appears to have all their paperwork in order complete with blasphemous artwork from famed illustrator Florian Bertmer. _God Is War_ came out of left field and has left me with a black eye and a smile shown through cracked teeth. Jesus Harold Christ guys, my jaw is killing me.